Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Araceli Flores, "Chef Mom," founder of Baskethouse, located in Chicago, IL, USA. She is a very talented cook with natural ability but never went to culinary school; she learned the traditional way by watching her own mom.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are Baskethouse, the creators of Baskets, or as we like to call them, “The love child of a sexy empanada and a hot muffin! Imagine a savory muffin unexpectedly filled with a tasty plant-based filling that will take your taste buds by surprise. Our customers are foodies looking to live in the path of sustainability by integrating or switching to plant-based foods without compromising on flavor. This is the reason why we make vegan food because it has the lowest environmental impact on the plant.

Tell us about yourself

I am the type of person that really enjoys cooking. I am always looking to make new dishes for my family. One day I baked the first Basket and gave it to my oldest son Angel to try, and he loved it; he thought people would love it too. We decided to join forces and started working on a business model. I came up with four different flavors derived from Mexican cuisine while he focused on marketing. We tested our Baskets at a local pop-up market for the first time, and we sold out! After eating them, people would come back to tell us how good they were. That gave us the confidence to keep going. My motivations are my passion for cooking, bringing Mexican cuisine to other cultures in a fun and innovative way, and helping the planet.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a new food category with our Baskets. We have the crazy idea that in the same way people know empanadas, our product will be known as Baskets.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

When you start a company for the first time, planning and organizing are massive tasks, but the hardest part is figuring out how to position and market your products in a way that is irresistible to people.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

You must enjoy what you do because, without that feeling, things won’t flow. Focus on developing a great product first, then educate yourself about business and marketing. This way, your chances of succeeding are higher.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Find a team of good people you can work in harmony with.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.basket.house/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastebaskethouse/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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